HHonors Experiences with OLCI

[Princess Fiona]

Hi everyone.
I thought it might be an idea to have an OLCI thread here so that people can have an idea whether or not it works and what effect if any it has on elite upgrades. Since OLCI is relatively recent, it would be nice to gather experiences. I can't see a similar thread, although I know it's part of the large "How do People Treat you etc." I hope that this might generate a reasonable set of stays at our main properties so that we can decide if OLCI is a good idea or not. I'm on the fence at the minute to be honest.
Mods please merge if there is already a thread for this
If we could keep it in the format
Property
Status
Room selected/offered at OLCI
Room received at check-in.

I'll kick off tomorrow with my next upcoming stay.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Property: Hilton Cairns
Status: Diamond
Room selected/offered at OLCI: Offered 9th floor (executive room) from king guest booking
Room received at actual check-in: Same 9th floor room

Decided for the first time to try OLCI and found I was offered the usual exec room upgrade. Accepted it as in my experience (YMMV) upgrades don't get much better than an exec room. I asked the front desk what the benefit of OLCI was and was told "none really....it's preparing us for smart phone door access".

I doubt I'll bother next time, as I really don't see a benefit. You still have to stop at reception and get the key card and in my once only trial, the room I got was the only one offered so I have the feeling it's pre-ordained anyway (not that I mind as most exec rooms at CNS are much of a muchness).

 

[Princess Fiona]

Property: Conrad New York
Status: Diamond
Room Selected OLCI: Room type booked on 14th Floor
Room Allocated on Arrival: Same Room 14th Floor

This hotel is sold out for the time period I'm here and has been for weeks/months. Offered a range of rooms at check-in from Hudson Views on multiple low floors to the single room on the 14th offered to me. I pick silence over view every time so wasn't confident of a high floor if I left it until check-in.

 

[QF029]

Property: Conrad New York
Status: Diamond
Room Selected OLCI: Room type booked on 14th Floor
Room Allocated on Arrival: Same Room 14th Floor

This hotel is sold out for the time period I'm here and has been for weeks/months. Offered a range of rooms at check-in from Hudson Views on multiple low floors to the single room on the 14th offered to me. I pick silence over view every time so wasn't confident of a high floor if I left it until check-in.

Hi PF. Not sure how flexible your booking is but the Conrad has rates of $200 per night this weekend. I almost left my current hotel to stay there.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Hi PF. Not sure how flexible your booking is but the Conrad has rates of $200 per night this weekend. I almost left my current hotel to stay there.

Thanks, I'll check it out

 

[jackthomas]

I have been using OLCI for most of my stays lately, however noticed today a pop up that claimed " Due to using online check in, you will receive preferential upgrades before other elites"
Seems like maybe elite members have been avoiding it due to being unsure of the upgrade process? Haven't seen that message before.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I have been using OLCI for most of my stays lately, however noticed today a pop up that claimed " Due to using online check in, you will receive preferential upgrades before other elites"
Seems like maybe elite members have been avoiding it due to being unsure of the upgrade process? Haven't seen that message before.

Interesting, I haven't either ?

 

[jackthomas]

It usually always said that upgrades would be on availability at the hotel, but this was a separate pop up saying OLCI was pushed to the front of the upgrade queue...
Must be a new thing. I'll see what happens regarding upgrade at check in tomorrow ( HSYD so unlikely it'll be that generous)

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I have been using OLCI for most of my stays lately, however noticed today a pop up that claimed " Due to using online check in, you will receive preferential upgrades before other elites"
Seems like maybe elite members have been avoiding it due to being unsure of the upgrade process? Haven't seen that message before.

The last time I used it (a fortnight ago), I did see a popup, but must admit to not reading it. I more interested in having a bit of a play with room selection and seeing what was available. I'll look closer next time at what the pop up says. I have been using it, only to get a little bit of experience and try it out, but if by using it means I'll be given preference over other elites, then so be it.....I'll use it every time!

 

[BLK343]

I have been using OLCI for most of my stays lately, however noticed today a pop up that claimed " Due to using online check in, you will receive preferential upgrades before other elites"
Seems like maybe elite members have been avoiding it due to being unsure of the upgrade process? Haven't seen that message before.

i have a booking for Sunday and OLCI was available since yesterday. I have seen the same message but not yet convinced it will get me ahead of other HHonors elites. Honestly believe it's a way of attracting HHonors Elites to use the function..most probably low utilisation that they just need to justify and promote further.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

not yet convinced it will get me ahead of other HHonors elites.

The time before last, the check in gentleman didn't even realised I'd used the OLCI. He only noticed it after I asked him what the advantage was (his reply was that there is none). Last time I used it (a fortnight ago) the check in lady welcomed me with the usual spiel, as well as "thank you for checking in on line and we have your room ready for you".....

The room was the one I selected, so I'm still not sure what benefit there is to checking in on line. Is it perhaps if we don't choose on line, we may start getting a noticeable drop in upgrade quality?

 

[moa999]

I think as mentioned in the larger thread I had a Fri night stay at Hilton Sydney.
The initial room choice on Thu arvo was only Plus Rooms to 25 or so, whereas on Fri I could select Exec Rooms.

Maybe when picking up the card it is worth saying "Yes I did preselect that room, unless you can get me something better"

 

[Princess Fiona]

The time before last, the check in gentleman didn't even realised I'd used the OLCI. He only noticed it after I asked him what the advantage was (his reply was that there is none). Last time I used it (a fortnight ago) the check in lady welcomed me with the usual spiel, as well as "thank you for checking in on line and we have your room ready for you".....

The room was the one I selected, so I'm still not sure what benefit there is to checking in on line. Is it perhaps if we don't choose on line, we may start getting a noticeable drop in upgrade quality?

I did OLCI a while back at Hilton SYD, not long after it started and got the room I booked - Relaxation on lowish floor.
At check-in was given the keys to the top suite - the one with the free-standing roll-top bath.
However after that fluke my experiences at various hotels worldwide have resulted in me getting the room I selected.
The most memorable check-in was at Hilton Belfast where they told me I didn't have a booking with them at all :shock:
Once I picked myself up off the floor and told them I'd done OLCI everything became clear to the front desk agent.

 

[kermatu]

I've done OLCI 4 times I think. Only once did the room selected even 'stick' - I ended up in a poorer room of the same type. Twice asked for upgrades on arrival and got them. I'll try it again but only check in once I've been upgraded at least one room type.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Hilton Belfast where they told me I didn't have a booking with them at all :shock:
Once I picked myself up off the floor and told them I'd done OLCI everything became clear to the front desk agent.

To be sure, to be sure, to be sure! At least they gave the outward impression that everything became clear.....in reality, they just gave you a spare room!

 

[Cynicor]

I doubt that Hilton IT can get preferential upgrades sorted via OLCI, so I'll believe it when I see it. They can't even get an email list that works...

For now I will avoid OLCI and ask for a suite at check-in when I care enough. I think the situation of "you chose a room via OLCI so there's nothing else available" is going to be much more common, for the short term future at least, than the "oh, you did OLCI, thanks, so here's a better room than the one you chose"...

 

[jackthomas]

I've not yet a stay where I checked in online and an upgrade wasn't provided, however I'm not looking forward to the first:shock:

 

[Aeolus]

I did OLCI at HSW this week only because the preferred room had been given. Got to say, the experience at the reception was superb. Immediately provided the access cards, asked if I wanted newspaper, no swiping of credit card for incidentals etc so it was all done and dusted in 1 min and I was on my way. If that's the service for OLCI, I'll definitely do more of.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I've not yet a stay where I checked in online and an upgrade wasn't provided, however I'm not looking forward to the first:shock:

For me, the "standard" upgrade of exec room in CNS is offered straight up in OLCI. Although there are better options, I find I'm rarely offered those regardless of whether OLCI is used or not, so for me, I think OLCI offers me the best that's going to be offered. One day I'll pluck up the courage to ask why some status members report suite upgrades in CNS yet I never get offered one. I'm sure there's a reason that's more than luck.......I'd just like to know the reason. (I'm thinking an OnQ preference gone wrong).

I did OLCI at HSW this week only because the preferred room had been given. Got to say, the experience at the reception was superb. Immediately provided the access cards, asked if I wanted newspaper, no swiping of credit card for incidentals etc so it was all done and dusted in 1 min and I was on my way. If that's the service for OLCI, I'll definitely do more of.

That's the reception I usually get with a CC on file. I like it. Waltz up to the counter and get handed the key card with a pleasant greeting and I'm off to the room. Excellent service, no delays (usually).

 

[kermatu]

In about 12 CNS stays I've almost always had exec room upgrades as well, except twice - one night given the premier suite (from the spa exec) to allow a NOR1 upgrade for someone else to the spa exec room. And recently I had booked a basic spa room and asked for an exec spa upgrade in my comments; was offered it at regular cost 2 days out, declined. On arrival asked for it and was granted free (4 nights - very grateful). But I regard that as a bit of a fluke, so have booked the spa exec room for my next two stays.

On the other hand, HSW has rarely given me anything in contrast to others. Failed OLCI, and basic preferences ignored. Have had a couple of upgrades, but not the strike rate others seem to have.

Who knows what is on my profile!?